Flu Season 2016-201710-20-16

In anticipation of the upcoming flu season, ICON Pediatrics now has the flu vaccine in stock for the 2016-2017 season for all our patients who should want to receive it. Please note the important information below and call the office at (615) 647-8282 to schedule an appointment at your convenience.

Influenza (“flu”) is a contagious disease that spreads every winter, usually between October and May. Flu is caused by influenza viruses and is spread by coughing, sneezing, and close contact with infected individuals. Anyone can get the flu, but the highest risk is among children. Symptoms may include:

Fever/chills

Cough

Sore throat

Headache

Muscle aches

Runny Nose

Fatigue

Most people infected with the flu recover in several days with no specific treatment. However, some children with the flu get much more sick than others, particularly those who are very young, people with certain chronic health problems like asthma or diabetes, and those with already weakened immune systems. In addition, people over the age of 65 and pregnant women are especially vulnerable to the flu and its complications. Flu can also lead to pneumonia and make existing medical conditions worse. Most importantly, every year thousands of people in the United States die from the flu, and many more are hospitalized.

For those reasons, ICON Pediatrics recommends that all children receive the injectable “inactivated” vaccine this year. One dose of the vaccine is recommended every year, though some children 6 months to 8 years of age might need two doses the first time receiving the vaccine. The nasal Flumist vaccine is not recommended for a flu vaccine this year.

There are some restrictions to getting the flu vaccine. Some persons should not receive the vaccine and they include those with a history of severe, life-threatening allergies, those who have ever had Guillain-Barre’ Syndrome and those who may already be sick or not feeling well.

ICON Pediatrics intends to vaccinate all of our patients who qualify for the flu vaccine. Please call with any questions and to schedule an appointment for your child to receive the vaccine during the months of November or December.